Cawood’s long history dates back to mentions as early as the 10th century with important links to notable families and archbishops. The Cawood Castle Garth Group have explored their local history and gained new skills, from archaeology and archival research to gooseberry pie making.

Training from a community archaeologist has helped the groups to dig test pits, welcome and share their knowledge with other local history groups, and work with local schools about what their investigations have uncovered.

The project has shed light on the intriguing fruit history of the area with market gardens being prevalent in Cawood, helping to bring the railway to the area. Cawood grew gooseberries, rhubarb, celery and tomatoes, and historical property rental advertisements featured whether the houses had gooseberry bushes – a testament to their importance at the time.

Sharing the stories of the de Cawood’s medieval manor house and local fruit production in the area through the website, open days and the recreation of the local gooseberry fair has sparked the interest of local people and increased the group’s volunteer numbers. More archaeological work happened over the summer, with many hoping that the medieval manor house site will be rediscovered.

More information can be found on the Cawood Heritage website.